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A LETTER;

MOST RESPECTFULLY ADDRESSED
TO THE

ROMAN CATHOLIC CLERGY AND THE

SEIGNIORS OF THE PROVINCE

OF LOWER CANADA:

RECOMMENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF

SCHOOLS.

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O y^XUIXOLTUV XTTUfCi, 6v ^KiTU (i\i7rUY.

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TNilMAI MONO'STIXOI ix hxfo^cov TraittTar.

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QUEBEC:

Printed by J. NEitsoN, No. 3, Mountain Street.

1810.

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A LETTER, &c.

Gentlemen,

HOUGH this is not the corntry to which
I owe my birth and education ; yet I conceive
my interests, and yours, and those of all your
countrymen, to be the same. We enjoy, in
common, the friendly protection of one govern-
ment, and of the same laws. Our prosperity
is advanced, and retarded by the same means.
If we cannot, therefore, call ourselves, country-
men^ certainly, the names, felIow-citiz€7is^ and
brothers^ cannot be refused. Impressed with
the recollection of so many causes of unanimity
and confidence, I have ventured to lay before
you, the Ir'lowing reflexions on a subject in
which we are all deeply concerned.

Next to the desire that our countrymen
should be virtuous and good, ought to be the
wish that they should possess some portion of
knowledge ; of that knowledge which gives a
man resources within himself ; which discovers
to him the certain, though remote consequen-
ces of vile conduct ; and which enables him to
employ his talents, to the greatest advantage
for himself, his family, and his country.

We cannot, then, without regret, contemplate

That
A 2

the state of knowledge in this Province.

■L

M^^tM rn rn m ^^

^rniti-^

there should, in this enlightened age, be num-
bers of persons, pmprii tors of large tracts of
lind, who cannot write their n:vmes ; woiiki, in
raanv parto o'l lun-ojie, appear incredible. What
would hv the astonishment of a Swiss peasant,
if he saw, as may often be seen here, the pro-
prietor of two hundred acres of land, undertake
a journey of lour or five miles, to get a letter
read r In some parishes, there are probably not
more than half a do^en persons who can read.
Such is the difliculty of p ocuring instruction,
that the country nurchants, those persons who
conduct ihe river craft, and others who necssa-
rily require some knowledge of writing and
arithmetic ; arc obliged to send their children
to a great distance, to one of the few places in
which ihey can be educated ; or to engage some
poor and illiterate pedagogue to reside in tiieir
housL'S for that purpose. I'he expence, in either
case, is such as few are able, and still fewer are
willing, to incur.

The seventeenth act of the first session of the
third Provincial Parliament, enabled the majori-
ty uf the inhabitants of any parish, to erect a
schi\.il-house and a house lor a teacher, at the
joint expence of the parish. And the liberality
of the British government has, in every instance
in which these accomuK^iations have been pro-
vided, discovered itself in granting a salarv for
the support of the Teacher. But, though nine
years have elai)sed since this law was enacted,
twelve parishes only have yet availed themselves
of the assistance which it offered them.* Those

* Si-t' the )Kimes of tliosc I'aiishcs in the Provincial Accounts laid
before tht- lloubf of AbHiuIily in l&O'J.

;7JW«WR*F*HMff-

d age, be num-
Uirgc tracts of
nies ; wouUl, in
crediblf. What
a Swiss peasant,
a here, the pi )-
land, undt-nakc
;, to get a letter
are probably not
IS who can read,
ring instruction,
ose persons who
iiers who nccssa-
of writing and
d their children
he tew places in
r to engage some
o reside in their
■xpence, in either
id still fewer are

rst session of the
ibled the majori-
arish, to erect a
a teacher, at the
Vnd the liberality
in every instance
5 have been pro-
iting a salary for
3ut, though nine
x\v was enacted,
vailed themselves
ithem.* Those

Provincial Accounts laid

who, like me, have been accustomed to cjitimat''
knowledge above all price, will b.* ustonishe'd at
this fact. But, v/irhout inquiring into the causes
of past neglect, I would only reconunend to ynu
to use vour utmost efforts in future, to remove
as soon as possible, this stigma from the coun-
try.

Mvictr has been said in favour of knowledge
in all ages. And, after the encomiums that have
been bestowed uj^on it by the inunortal writers
of other times, it cannot be expected that 1
should advanc'..' much that is new, or any thing
that is better than has formerly been said in its
praise. This circumstance, however, forms no
objection to the propriety of the present address
on that subject. To render the observations of
these illustrious writers useful to ourselves or
cur cotemporaries, they must be adapted to the
peculiar circumstances of our own times. They
must be placed in such a light, as to meet the
prevailing errors and prejudices of our own
age.

My present object is to combat the prejudices
which have prevailed in this age against the in-
struction of the lower orders, and particularly
thos(j which have hitherto prevailed against the
instruction of the Caiuidians. In the execution
of this duty, I shall consider, First, the conse-
quences which we might naturally suppose to
follow from the instruction of a rural people ;
Next, the consequences that have actually fol-
lowed from it, in those countries in which it has
been accomplished ; Lastly, the application of
the argument to the particular circumstances
and condition of the Canadian people..

^mmrn'^^^^^-'^^^^^T^^^'^

ifiiif

I. Ol THi: PRODAUI.E CONSrQUEKCES Of
THE LDUCATION OH A RURAL PEOPLK. ,,

These may be considered as aiFccting a rural
pcMplo, either in tluur political attachments, in
their rciigicuis sentuiiL-iits, or their individual
happiness,

VVi in rcc^urd to tlic attaclimrnt which the in-
habitants of any C(.untry may form for the go-
vernment undor which they Hve, I would lay it
down as a fixt d principle, that no attachment of
this l;ind can be depended on, while the people
themselves remain in ij^norance. While this
igni^rance continues, they are capable neither of
appreciating the merits of their government, nor
of foreseeing the fatal consequences of attempt-
ing a change.

Wfiln a government possesses only a moder-
ate share of rxceileace, still it is better for the
people r,> sul)mit, than to risk, the consequences
of a revolutiiin. This is a position of which the
experience of all ages proves the truth. Histo-
ry renders it undeniable to all who arc fitted to
receive historical iniovmation. And all those in
every country who possess only a moderate por-
tion of kaiowl'dge, are convinced of its truth.
They are firmly attached to good order, and re-
gard revolutions v. ith horror. But how are the
totally i'^^nonint to learu this important lesson?
How are they to come to the knowledge of it,
who have no means of instruction ; who have
no records of the past, besides uncertain tradi-
tion, and the family tales which they learned al-
most as soon as they acquii'ed the use of speech f
To them the history of nations i:, s.aled up, the
experience of other timjs is lost. The admoni-

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HHi.l;:''ttiL,ulkili^;tl;i;^^r('ii*m'KH/tJfy;,|^l :t^^

tions conveyed in the revolutions of their coun*
try, is never heard by them. Th^ir mind remains
as fearless of innovation, as if no such events
had ever before occurred to illustrate its dread*
ful consequences.

-•• But if general knowledge be advantageous
under a government of only moderate excel-
lence ; it must be far more advantageous and
desirable, under a government so transcendently
excellent as the British. Under such a form of
government, ignorance is to be deprecated as onfe
of the mocf dangerous symptoms that can pre-
sent themselves. Public information is, in such
a case, the best possible means for securing good
order ; the most rational and successful method
of promoting that attachment to the established
system, on which the only reasonable hope of
its permanence can be founded. For in what
other way are the generality of its subjects to
become acquainted with its merits ? How cati
they be persuaded of its superiority, if they have
no means of judging what portion of their hap-
piness is derived from it, and if they are totally
ignorant of the consequences that would result
from its destruction ? "'« ' • ■- ?j

Th£ truth is, that the attachment of ignorant
people, to a good, and to a bad government, is
the same. It is, in b6th cases, equally possible,
for it is always accidental. Even under the best
forms of government, and the most upright ad-
ministration, much hardship and many privations
must be suffered, in the present condition of
men j and the ignorant are never able to dis-
tinguish, whether their misfortunes are occasion-
ed by the tyranny of their superiors, or by thfe

;.«*.-::_;

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I /

necessary imperfection of human things. Nor
do they know that the blessings which they en-
~oy are separable from their condition, and might
e wrested from them by a change of govern-
ment. Under tyrannical government, on the
other hand, they are equally ignorant what por-
tion of their calamities is referable to the tyrant
that oppresses them. They feel, indeed, the
misery of which he is the remote, though certain
cause ; but his minions every where proclaim,
that this misery cannot be prevented, that it aris-
es from the necessary imperfection of human
government, and that no nation in the world is
happier than theirs. They have no knowledge
and no experience by which they can refute
these assertions. And they submit or resist,
just as a greater or a less degree of art is em-
ployed to deceive them.

The condtct of the uninformed subjects of
every kind of government, appears to be this.
If*, by chance, they are pleased with the govern-
ment under which they live, all goes on well.
They are contented anu happy. jThey will do
every thing in their power for the support of
government. I'hey will encounter death in its
defence. But if some fit of ill-humour seize
them, if some measure of administration give
them offence, if some demagogue inspire them
with disaffection ; their attachment will be ex-
tinguished, and most probably will never be re-
vived. They will then become a prey to ey&cf
pretender who warmly professes an interest in
their welfare. Their simplicity and credulity
form the foundation of his hopes, and give suc-
cess to all his schemes. It is vain to oppose

reason and common seiisi; to the torrent with
which they proceed. Their passions are inflam-
ed, and cannot be calmed, but by time and chc
calamities which inevitably follow. Such a poo-
pie know not their own inrcrest. lliey cannot
be taught it by the example of other nations.
They have no means of learning it, except from
the ratal experiment which involves them in ruin.
It is on ignorance and credulity that the ascen-
dancy of demagogues and revolutionists has al-
ways l>een founded. This is the soil on which
they have ever sowed with most success the
seeds of anarchy and confusion.

It is however objected, that the small degree
of instruction which the lower classes can ever
attain, is rather hurtful than salutary. Seditious
writings, it is observed, are easily disseminated
among a people who have been tauglit to read.
And this, it must be acknowledged, is an engine
of discord which could not otherwise be employ-
ed. But, there is good reason to believe that
the cause which is the instrument of this abuse,
is at the same time the means of preventint;
another and a far greater evil. The art of read-
i ' —hich sometimes gives rise to the purusal of
sedLious publications, prepares the mind for re-
sisting impressions of a much more dangerous
nature. Let us consider only what are the
methods usually employed to inflame the minds
of a Dc-ople wholly rude and ignorant. They
are neither 4>amphlet^ nor newspapers ; bat con-
trivances far more destructive than either. They
are, at hrst, secret whispers and insmuations,
quietly, but assiduously circulated amon^ the

unthinking multitude ; aftenvards, more bold,
avowed, and animated appeals to their prejudi-
ces ; and, at last, inflammatory discourses and
unqualified declamations, addressed, viva voce^
to crowds of discontented persons, who swallow
every extravagance of the impassioned orator
with greediness, repeat it with conftdence, and
communicate it from one to another, withouv
reflexion, without discrimination, or any regard
to truth. But people who are accustomed to
read, are more capable of sober reasoning, and
more disposed to reflect. If they are to be duped
and inflamed, it is certain that much greater tal-
ents, at least, and much more art must be em-
ployed. And, if experience is to be our guide
in this subject, it seems to assure us, that hardly
any talents, or any arts, are sufficient for this,
purpose.

So far, therefore, as political attachments .are
concerned, we are authorised to conclude, that
public and general information is, in the highest,
degree, advantageous. It renders men patient
of the inconvemencies which they suflfer under
governments that have reached only a moderate
degree of excellence ; it is the only means of
discovering the superiority of those which ap-
proach nearest to perfection ; and, in all cases,
it removes one of the most formidable instru-
ments of facdon.

It cannot be denied, however, that many po-
lidcians and legislators have discovered an un-
accountable andpgthy to the diflfusion of know-
ledge. But whatever may have been their rea-^
sons for adopting this jealous policy ; it must be
observed, that those who have adopted it, have

seldom been illustrious characters ; and all ty.
rants and usurpers range themselves in this num-
ber. On the contrary, those who have been at
the head oi regular, long-established, and en-
lightened gOTemments, have ever s^peared to
consider the instruction of the people as highly
advantageous. It is well known that the Roman
government, whether Republican or Imperial,
was always favourable to the civilization of man-
kind. Among the English monarchs, Alfred
the Great paid the utmost attention to the in-
struction of his people ; and his example was
followed by all those among his successors, who
have been distinguished either for the greatness
of their deeds, or the liberality of their minds.
The great number of Colleges and Universities,
established a few centuries ago, in all parts of
Europe, sufficiently demonstrates, that, even un-
der absolute governments, when they are per-
manently e8tablished,and regularly administered,
the sovereigns have found the greatest advanta-
ges to be connected with the diffusion of know-
ledge. And, with respect to the British govern-
ment, we have already seen, that the principal
security for the ht^e of its permanence, must
be, its being well understood. To command
t-he respect of its subjects, it requires only to be
known ; and, to secure permanent respect, de-
mands that it should be known.

It must appear surprising that afty suspicion
should ever have ariser that Religion might
suffer from the diffusion of knowledge. It is
certain that the moalt ignorant nations have ever
been the most supersatious, and the most im-

moraL Though Savages may possess many vir-
tues ; yet these are to be attributed more to their
poverty, than to their ignorance. When plen-
tifully supplied with the necessaries and pleasures
of life, they liave generally given themselves up
to odious vices, and brutal sensuality.! £xpe«
rience puts it beyond a doubt that knowledge is
favourable to rehgious sentiments, and to moral
impressions.

Persons who possess iwt the art of reading,
but who are yet instructed by their teachers in
the doctrines of Religion, are certainly far su-
perior to those who enjoy not even this advan-
tage. Still, however, the knowledge of such
persons is far inferior to that which they might
attain, if, in addition to this instruction, they
possessed also the sagacity and reflexion produc-
ed by the habit of reading. I speak here of the
Chnstian Religion in general, without regard to
any of the particular classes and parties that have
been introduced among its professors. And do
not, then, all Christians, Greeks, Catholics,
Protestants, and all others, with the exception of
a few Mystics, admit that the doctrines of their
Religion are addressed to the understandings of
men? Are not all the arguments which the
Gospel oflTers, either for the encouragement of
vinue, the destruction of sin, or the consobtion
of the afflicted, addressed to our reason ? And
does it not follow, that, like all other sound ar-
guments, they must be weighed by the judg-
ment, before they can influence our conduct ;
and that they must be more effectual, in propor-
tion to the extent in which they are imderstpodt

t RobensoD'i Amerip, Book 2.

t' ■».

and in proportidn to the conviction which we
have of their trufh ?

. It is admitted that the most illiterate may, by
the pains and care of their instructors, acquire
some general knowledge of the outlines of moral
duty. But, it is evident, that the task of instruc-
tion must, in this case, be an exceedingly diffi-
cuk one. And, after all the pains which it is
possible to take, parsons so .rude and illiterate,
generally remain liable to a variety of errors
from which a very slight expansion of the rea-
soning faculty would be sufficient to set them
free. They have always been disposed to rest
in the external forms of Religion, and to con-
sider the observance of its rites as an atonement
for the neglect of moral duty. They talk about
sublime doctrines and mysteries, they wonder
and are astonished, without ever considering the
intimate connexion which these subjects possess
with the conduct of human life. Besides, as has
been observed by Quintilian, the impressions
which are made through the medium of the
ears, are evanescent and transitory ; those which
pass through the eyes, are incomparably more
permanent. Were there no other method of
teaching Religion and Morals, than oral instruc-.
tion ; we should then be obliged to confine
ourselves to this, and should still have reason to
be thankful to Providence for the possession of
it. But when, in addition to this, another and
more effectual method is in our hands ; who will
justify our conduct, if we confine ourselves to
the use of an inferior mode of instruction, and
entirely neglect that which we know to be better
calculated for producing th eifect intended?

J
I

''/;

\ \

By what arguments can we extenuate our neg-
lect of so important a duty to our countrymen
and fellow-christians ? No diligence on our part,
no activity, no labours however great, can prove
that we have been faithful to their interest ; so
long as we entirely overlook the means, which
we know to be most effectual for their instruc-
tion.

" But the publications which many persons
read, are trifling, or improper ; some so mani-
festly useless that the perusal of them can be
considered as, in no respect, different from idle-
ness -f and others directly immoral and flagitious
in their tendency. Numbers of the novels and
comedies which persons possessing a little infor-
mation, devour most greedily, are either so com-
pletely insignificant, or so pernicious ; that it has
been doubted, with great appearance of truth,
whether those who confine themselves to such
reading, would not have been happier, had they
never learned to read."

Such is the full extent of one of the strongest
objections that have ever been brought against
the diffusion of the art of reading. But it must
be observed, that the abuses to which this art
may be turned, can never prove that it is not,
in itself, a most valuable attainment. They can
never balance the numerous advantages which
this art brings to its possessor. As well might
it be said that the gift of reason is useless or per-
nicious, because thousands every day abuse it,
either to the injury of others, or their own de-
struction. With equal justice, we might decry
all civil power, and all political institutions, be-
cause many are the diiiappointments and distres-

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?r-

ses which they unavoidably occasion to individu-
als. In the same manner, we might wish the
Sun to become invisible to our hemisphere ; be-
cause he sometimes scorches, although he much
more frequently nourishes, the fruits on which
we live.

But, independently of this general reasoning,
it may easily be shown that this objection does
not apply to the case before us. The Canadians
are to be considered as an agricultural people ;
at least, it is chiefly of those who are so employ-
ed, of whom I now speak. Of the people em-
ployed in husbandry, it is to be observed, that
they have always been found of a graver deport-
ment than the inhabitants of towns, or those
who are employed in manufactures. Their
amusements are of a graver nature, and all their
ideas and reasonings are of a more sober cast.
When, therefore, they learn to read, the publi-
cations which engage their attention are suitable
to the general turn of their minds. They are
such as tend, for the most part, to improve the
mental powers, and afford useful lessons of mor-
ality and virtue. The subjects to which sucli
persons generally confine their reading, are Re-
ligion, History, Geography, Voyages and Trav-
els. Such we know to be the case with the in-
habitants of Iceland, with the peasantry of Scot-
land and of Switzerland. And such, no doubt,
will be the case with the Canadian husbandmen,
whenever they shall have it in their power to
participate of such amusement.

If we now bring down our attention to the
common occupations of life, we shall find know-
ledge no less favourable to private happiness.

:i:::.'^'i^ytf^l,:.:;M.

ffian to political attachments and religious senti-
ments.

1 1" has sometimes been objected, that the in-
struction of the peasantry is accompanied with
ihe disadvantage of raising their ideas above the
employments necessary in their condition, and
inspiring them with a taste for other occupations,
often to their hurt, and sometimes t« their ruin,
Ihu little knowledge which they acquire, it is
'iaid, raises ihem, in their own esteem, above
their former equals and companions ; so that
they are no longer willing to be confined to the
same ignoble pursuits, or the same unpulished
society. — In answer to this objection, i. is suffi-
cient to say, that this consequence does not fol-
low from education in those countries in which
it is generally diffused. Every person who has
been in these countries, knows that no people
are more happy, or more contented, or more
averse to change. The attachment of the Swiss
to their country, to their own manners, and
their own pursuits, is universally known. — The
ground of the objection appears to be this. In
countries of which few of the inhabitants can
read, any individual who happens to receive a
little instruction, finds himself elevated above
his ftjrmer associates. He conceives himself fit-
ted for higher pursuits, and nobler undertakings,
than those of which the grovelling herd around
him ever dreamed. Hence he becomes discon-
tented with the condition in which his ancestors
have left him. He engages in schemes beyond
his talents, autl unsuitable to his attainments.
His projects are perhaps disproportioned to his
capital, which is not necessarily augmented by

WM^^0f^'^^^m,^i^'^i>±

^l\t

!Ous Rcnti-

lat the in-

nicd with

above the

ition, and

:upations,

heir ruin.

uirc, it is

ni, above

; so that

led to the

npolished

i: is suffi-

:?s not fol-

; in which

I who has

no people

or more

the Swiss

ers, and

/n. — The

this. In

ants can

receive a

d above

mself fit-

rtakings,

arcund

s dibcon-

mcestors

beyond

inments.

d to his

ented by

the accession of the (irst rays of knowledge,
iiiid tiie result is distress and embarrassment,
perhaps, vice and infamy. But all this, when-
ever it does happen, arises plainly from tlie im-
perfect manner in which knowledcre is diffused.
It is the scarcity of education, tiiat prompts the
vanity of him who has received a little, and al-
lures him out of the phiin road which his ances-
tors have beaten, and which his countrymen
still tread. The misfc^rtuncs which take place
in this manner, are consequences of the very
evil of which I ccmiplain. They arise from the
rarity of (education, and camiot be prevented but
by rendering it more common.

With regard to women, it is undeniable,
that i^-norance, and the thouiihtlessness ari,s'ntj
from ignorance, are the sources of the greatest
number of deviations from virtue and respecta-
bility. Ignorance Icavi-s women a prey to tha
arts of the seducer. It diminishes the effect of
those religious sentiments which are the gr.atest
supports of their natural love of modesty and
decorum. It begets an improvidence, and an
inattention to futia-e honour and respect, which
are as l"at;il to the correct conduct of women, as
destructix e of the industry and frugality of nier..
It is an observation of Dr. Smith's, in his
" Wealth of Nations," that those unfortunate
women w ho live in London by prostitution, are
chiL'llv supplied from the least cultivated, and
least enli;';htened parts of the British dominions.
In the manufacturmg towns throughout Great
Britain, thi^y consist in general, of those who
have been collected in crowds, and at an early

'■''^. .*v.

1«

period of life, at the manufactories ; in which
they are soon able to earn a little money, but
are neither taught the lowest elements ol educa-
tion, nor accustomed to think, nor instructed in
the nature, or importance of female virtue.

There is one argument, which I have some-
times wondered how those who oppose the in-
struction of the people, would answer. It arises
from the pleasure and enjoyment which every
person who can read, derives from this source.
is not every person who can read, happy that
he can ? Is there a man, who having once ac-
quired this art, would be willing, for any con-
sideration, to unlearn it ? As this question can
never be answered b'Jt in the negative, every
person siiould be ashamed of endeavouring to
conceal from his fellows, an attainment which is
never gained without a certain elevation of mind
and genuine satisfaction, to both of which the rest
of mankind are strangers. Hence it appears,
that those w^ho argue against the dilFusion of
knowledge, proceed upon a system of entire
sellishuess. Knjoying the advantages of know-
ledge thf.'mselves, they discover no regard what-
ever for the hapi>iness of the millions who have
never had a glimpse of its rays. They resem-
ble those who have argued, that a state of rude
barbarity is preferable to a state of refined so-
ciety ; and who, with equal inconsistency, have,
after all their theories, still refused to return to
the woods, to the hovel, and the canoe. Just in
the same manner, our opponents, however de-
sirous to retard tiie progress of knowledge
among others, have ever been sufficiently eager
to advance themselves by its aid.

-..j.j»).ii n i mn .iiiii ihiCTg '^'

"■*-■..-,

^-!l)U?«^^

y )iTTOr3tUlfciii»n»«'tfiWii^«f^**^^'-'"

in which
ney, but
-ii cduca-
ructcd in
irtiie.
vc some-
le the in-
It arises
ch every
s source,
ppy that
once ac-
any con-
ition can
e, every
uring to
which is
of mind
the rest
appears,
usion of
entire
know-
d what-
lo have
reseni-
of rude
nod so-
, have,
urn to
Just in
cr de-
led </c

eager

Amono all nations, lii^ht has been dcemrd a
fit emblem of knowledge. In the English lan-
guage, to liNLiGUTKN, is to instruct ; and in
French, lumie're, is equivalent to knoii'lcdgc
or understanding. To ili.ustra'ik, and to ii,-
LtriMiNATF., are words of Latin original, nnj
primarily meant to convey //>/// to an obji^ct.
The Greek word from which tlie English term,
TDK A, is derived, had a similar application to
light and to knowledge. And the Italian,
CHiARo, is applied exactly in the same man-
ner. Were we to examine the practice of all
languages, we should find traces of the same
mode of reasoning in every one of them. By
the \manimous consent of the human race,
knowledge resembles the perception of light ;
ignorance is allied to obscurity and darkness.
This consent could not be produced by educa-
tion, nor extorted by power. It could not be
occasioned by any exterior cause. Jt has its
foundation in those natural, unrestrained, and
undisguised feelings of the soul, which are com-
mon to all mankind. They who object to the
diffusion of knowledge, ought to extend their
objections to those things which the whole hu-
man race have connected with it ; to the .light
of the Sun, and to the power of vision.

" Education," say the ancient poets quoted
In the title-page, " is the fairest inheritance ; it is
an incorruptible posscvssion ; useful even to hus-
bandmen, and humanizing all who obtain it. He
who acquires this, sees twice ; he alone has the
true use of his eyes, and he is possessed of a
superior understanding."

f- i

^v^.

1 \

'f.

*J. Of the conseqtif.nces which havi.

ACTUALLY FOLLOWI I) FROM CliNl-RAI, IDU-
CAIION, IN rilOSK COUNTRILS IN WHICH 11'
U.\.^ TAKEN PLACE.

Pi RHATs it may be thought I have dwelt too
loivj; on the probable cf>nscq uenc.es of ecUic:\ti(»n,
or ^ hat may be tennetl, the examination of the
subject a priori. I have been induced to extend
niy observations to this length, because ihnbc
who have argued against the diffusion of know-
ledge, have, for the most part, confined them-
selves to these general re asonings ; and I wish-
ed to meet them on their own ground. But,
the propriety and expediency of what I contend
for, will more clearly, and I think, undeniably,
appear by considering the state of those coun-
tries in which this object has been accomplished.
The countries which appear to be most deserv-
ing of notice, in this view, are Iceland, Den-
mark, Switzerland, Scotland, and the Northern
States, ol America.

If any (^f the ancient nations could be cited
as examples, Athens seems to be the only one,
which can, with any propriety, be mentioned.
It is certain, that the Athenian people possessed
considerable knowledge with respect to several
subjects ; that they had a very delicate ear with
regard to the use and pronunciation of their own
language ; and that they acquired a degree of
political knowledge, probably exceeding that
which the common people of any other coun-
try, ancient or modern, ever possessed. The
delicacy of their ear with regard to language,
arose from the close attention which they gave
to the public orators, and to dramatic represen-

"-^VKdB^

p-J-ttHi ■-

tatlon. Their political knowledge also, they
derived from their orators, who were obliged to
t'X])liiiii [o them, in the clearest manner, all pub-
lic measures, and all their relatit)ns with other
Grecian States, and with foreign nations. It
doefc" not appear, that this diirusion of knowledge
among the Athenians, was, in any respect, in-
jurious to public peace and good ord ^r, or to the
virtue and patriotism, to the sobiijtv, industry
or bravery of the citizens. They were an. in-
genious and scientific, an enterprising and highly
conimercial nation. There never w as a braver,
or a more public-spirited people. I'hcir bravery
alone defended Greece against the vast power of
the Persian empire ; their patriotism and love
of liberty, proved the best, and most formidable
obstacles to the usurpation of the Macedonian
Priiicer. — Yet, their means of mformation were
far inferior to those, which such among the
moderns as acquire the first elements of educa-
tion, do, or may derive from the press. Their
method of obtaining information was momenta-
ry, fluctuating and calculated to inflame the pas-
sions : among the moderns, it is permanent, and
fitted to improve the reasoning faculty.

But, undoubtedly, the most proper examples
niust be sought for in modern times, and in
countries that more nearly resemble our own.
And, to remove every shadow of doubt on this
subject, nothing shall here be taken upon trust
or conjecture : on the contrary, my authority
for every statement that is brought forward shall
be distinctly noted.

All writers who have given us any account
of Iceland, are agreed, that a certain degree of

^ V 'i

l\ '

information is possessed by its inhabitants. Dur-
ing their long nights, which someiimes continue
several weeks, one of the family frequently reads
for the instruction or amusement of the rest,
who are employed in certain branches of indus-
try.* Thus, the habit of reading serves to alle-
viate the horrors of a most inhospitable climate,
and to elevate the ideas and sentiments of a peo-
ple, who are doomed to subsist on a most sterile
soil.

Accordingly, ** The character of the Ice-
landers is good. They are calm, discreet, or-
derly, and serious in their religion, capable of
great labour of mind and body, and accustomed
to live upon little ; not abounding much in
men of genius ; but producing, in the various
universities of the North, many zealous and
indefatigable scholars, who have struck with
successful vigour into the most intricate' and
untrodden paths of litcrature."t Some of these
virtues are, no doubt, produced by other causes :
but it cannot be doubted, that they are all pro-
moted by education, and the habit of reading.

The dominions of the King of Denmark,
are, in general, supplied with schools. In each
parish, there are two or more, in which children
are instructed in Reading, Writing, and Arith-
metic. A house, a small salary, and some other
advantages, are allowed to every Teacher. |

The history of the Danes, furnishes no reason
whatever for supposing or suspecting, that any
hurtful consequences, can proceed from this in-
struction of the people. On the contrary, the

• Edinburgh Revi*w for Jan. IR04. f Jiid.
\ Pinkrrton's Modern Geography.

■aLT"'^^'"*'— I

ner

Danish government are, by experience, conviflo
ced of Its beneficial operation ; and have given
the most striking proofs of this conviction, by
not only supporting the former establishment,
but by confirming and increasing it. In the
month of October of the year one thousand
eight hundred and six, a new law was promul-
gated, which rendered the Danish schools more
useful, and more efficacious, than they could
ever have formerly been. By this law, the Isl-
and of Zealand, the most populous part of the
kingdom, is divided into districts so small, that
all the children resident in each, may, without
inconvenience, attend the school which is esta-
blished in it : A decent income and house are
provided for the Teachers : All parents are com-
pelled to send their children to school, as soon
as they reach the age of seven : Instruction is
provided in Reading, Writin?, Arithmetic, and
Religion : None are allowed to leave school,
till they understand these branches : And those
who have capacity and inclination, are instruct-
ed in the history, and geography of their coun-
try.*

I do not quote this law, as a model to be imi-
tated in all respects ; for, surely, the compul-
sory part of it, might have been omitted. But
I quote it as an experimental proof of the expe-
diency of general instruction. In reality, what
stronger proof of this expediency, can we de-
sire, than to find it attested by the conviction,
not only of travellers who may occasionally visit
that country ; not only of the most intelligent
observers resident in it ; but of the very persons

* Monthly Magaziae for Jvnt 1807, page 473.

»• ■

ill

..^ - --* *-

Danish government are, by experience, convin-
ced of Its beneficial operation ; and have given
the most striking proofs of this conviction, by
not only supporting the former establishnienf,
but by confirming and increasing it. In the
month of October of the year one thousand
eight hundred and six, a new law was promul*
gated, which rendered the Danish schools n\ore
useful, and more efficacious, than they could
ever have formerly been. By this law, the Isl-
and of Zealand, the most populous part of the
kingdom, is divided into districts so small, that
all the children resident in each, may, without
inconvenience, attend the school which is esta-
blished in it : A decent income and house are

V >

)

)' >y.

who conduct the government, and who are con-
sequently most deeply interested in maintaining
its good order, and promoting its prosperity ?
And what stronger proof can any government
give of having such a conviction, than enacting
a law, still farther to confirm, extend, and even
enforce the instruction ctf its subjects ?

The romantic country of the Swiss, like that
in which we live, is inhabited, partly by Roman
Catholics, and partly by Protestants. It ap-
pears, that there is here a regular establishment
of schools. In some of the Cantons, there is a
school in every village.* The inhabitants of
different parishes exult in the superior education
of their children, as much as in the beauty of
their women, or the bravery of their ancestors.!
The peasants, in general, are more intelligent,
entertaining, and companionable, than persons
of the same rank in almost any other country.*
In fact, all travellers express pleasure and sur-
prise at the intelligence and penetration which
they discover. Their countenance bespeaks in-
genuity ; and their conversation and manners
confirm this prepossession. It would be an end-
less task to quote all the passages in Coxe,
Moo RE, and other travellers, which confirm
this statement. Those which I have mentioned
below, are sufficient for my present purpose.
Such as wish for farther satisfaction, may con-
sult these authors themselves.

Yet the following account of the school-
establishment in the country of the Grisons,
shows, that the source from which the Swiss

* Coxe's Travels in Switzerland, Let. 10. f Hid, Let. 24.
t IbiJ, Let. 4.

':j^- w:

<KJftt||MMlMU*t)^ ^

that

peasants have derived this elevated character, is
of a very limited nature. We may thence judge
what advantage would arise from a more exten-
sive and better concerted establishment.

The country of the Orisons, before it was
seized by the French, consisted of three Re-
publics, the League of God's House, the Grey
League, and the League of the Ten Jurisdic-
tions. Each of the Leagues was divided into
smaller communities. In each community, Mr.
CoxE informs us, there was a small school in
which children were taught to read, write and
cypher ; but which was open only during Win-
ter, from the ninth of November to the seventh
of April. The League of God's House, con-
taining twenty-nine thousand inhabitants, con-
sisted of twenty-two communities ; that of the
Ten Jurisdictions, having fifteen thousand in-
habitants, of eleven communities : The inhabi-
tants of the Grey League, were fifty-four thou-
sand ; but the number of communities is not
mentioned, and, consequently, the number of
schools is not ascertained. But, if we suppose
them to have been in the same proportion to the
population, as in the other two Leagues ; we
may take them to have been about rorty-one.
This gives us for the whole country of the Ori-
sons, seventy-four schools ; while the popula-
tion amounted to nearly one hundred thousand,
and the superficial extent of country was be-
tween four and five thousand square miles. At
arwaverage, therefore, one of these little schools,
open for no more than five months in the year,
afforded the only school instruction, for a popu-

? f-

> I

/ (i

iifp<»*»— WfcawMMWt ■iw <n» iM»e^'i'M'.'<

rii ! ■ i Mii

l^'l

lation of thirteen hundred and fifty, and for an
extent of sixty-three square miles. At any rate,
this was the real proportion for the two Leagues
of which the number of schools is ascertained.
From so limited and imperfect an establishment,
did the Swiss peasants derive an education which
made them respectable in the eyes of all travel-
lers who visited the country.

The parochial schools of Scotland were insti-
tuted by an Act of the Legislature of that coun-
try upwards of a century and a half ago. The
legal establishment has given at least one school,
open throughout the year, and conducted by a
person of proper qualifications, to every Parish ;
that is, at an average, to a population of sixteen
hundred. But so great is the esteem in which
education is held by the people in general, that
in most parishes, a private school is supported,
and frequently two or more, in addition to that
established by law. It is certain, therefore, that
there is at least one school for every eight hun-
dred inhabitants.*

This institution is kno\vn to have been at-
tended with the happiest consequences. None
but those who have witnessed, can probably
conceive how much the amusement of reading
contributes to alleviate the toilsomeness of a most
laborious occupation. How respectable does
that peasant appear, who relieves the fatigues of
the day, by the culture of mental qualities in
the evening, in comparison with him who spends
his life in the unvaried routine of labouring,
eating, and sleeping ?t

•c ■»

* Sinclair's Statistical Account of Scotland-
t See Currle's Life of Burnt.

\:'

^^^?;:

. t," »^ cVil'

i...Ji.AllHtt

' The advantages derived from this admirable
institution, are satisfactorily attested by the fol-
lowing extract from a speech of the Lord Jus-
tice Clerk, one of the first legal characters in
that country, delivered at the conclusion of the
Circuit Court in Glasgow, in April eighteen
hundred and eight. After some observations
relative to the business that had come before the
Court, his Lordship said : ^^^

" I must, in justice, say, that the number of
criminals in custody for trial, was comparatively
small, in reference to the immense population of
this district of the country. But, if reference
be made to the list of criminals in other coun-
tries, even in our sister kingdom of England,
we shall see just reason to be proud and thank-
ful, that our lot has been cast in a land, whose
inhabitants are so distinguished for the virtuous
simplicity of their lives,

" A few days before I left home, there was
transmitted to me, officially, by the Secretary
of State, a printed list of all the commitments
and prosecutions for criminal offences, in Eng-
land and Wales, for the last three years , and,
horrible to tell, the least number of commit-
ments in any one of these years, was considera-
bly above four thousand, and above three thou-
sand five hundred were actually brought to trial,

" This is a fact, Gentlemen, which I see fills
you with astonishment, and I confess that I could
not have believed it myself, if t ha(i apt yead it
in an official document, .„ ,.^. .«.,>. ,.,ji,

" I had not time, and indeed it would be a
work of great labour, to make an accurate en-

^*>**..t

?uiry and comparison ; but, to hazard a guess,
should be disposed to say, that setting aside
our two rebellions, the above number of trials
in England for one year, is nearly equal to the
whole number that has appeared in Scotland
since the Union.

" Supposing this calculation to be accurate,
or in any remote degree accurate, it calls upon
us for very serious reflexions, and to consider if
we can discover the causes of this proud inferi-
ority. Allowance must, no doubt, be made
for a difference that has always existed in the
population of the two countries : for it would
be unreasonable to suppose, that the number
must not, in a great degree, be in proportion
to the number of people in any two countries.

** It may be said also, that commerce and
manufactures, hardly existed in this country in
the earlier part of the last century. True— but,
now at least, we are treading fast on the heels of
England ; and, yet, thank God, the same con-
sequences do not follow. In this very city and
district, commerce and manufactures have long
been introduced, to an extent equal to any place
or district in the United Kingdoms, the capital
alone excepted. And, yet it was stated by a po-
litical writer, but a few years ago, that one Quar-
ter Sessions at Manchester, sends more criminals
to transportation than all Scotland in a year.

" We must, therefore, look to other causes
for the good order and morality of our people.
And I think, we have not far to look. In my
opinion, the cause is to be found, chiefly, in our
institutions for the education of youth, and for
the maintenance of religion.

i«»» I II »

mmmm

*' The institution of parochial schools, in the
manner, and to the extent in whicli they are es-
tablished in Scotland, is, I believe, peculiar to
ourselves ; and, it is an institution, to -which,
however simple in its nature, and unobtrusive in
its operation, I am persuaded, we are chiefly to
ascribe the regularity of conduct by which we
are distinguished. The child of the meanest
peasant, of the lowest mechanic, may, and most
of them do, receive a virtuous education from
their earliest youth. At our parochial schools,
they are not only initiated in the principles of
our Holy Religion, and in the soundest doctrines
of morality, but most of them receive difTerent
degrees of education in other respects, which
qualify them to earn their bread in various ways,
and which, independent even of religious in-
struction, by enlarging the understanding, ne-
;cessarily raises a man in his own estimation, and
sets him above the mean and dirty crimes, to
which the hardships and temptations of life might
expose him.*'*

No person can surely imagine, that the opin-
ion delivered in this manner by the learned
Judge, was peculiar to himself. His Lordship
appears evidently to have given an opinion co-
incident with that of the generahty of those who
know the subject, and particularly with that of
the British government whose servant he is.
Thus, as in the case of Denmark, we find the
expediency of general instruction, confirmed by
those who have witnessed the progress of its
operation, and who are most interested in pre-
serving the subordination and good order of so-

* Scotti Magazine for Aug. 1808.

ciety. It cannot, surely, be overlooked, that
these ai'gumcnts arc founded," not on theory, but
on the ininiovcablc basis of practice and experi-
ment.

li'vTT, in no country, can we find an example
nK)re perrincni to our present purpose, than in
tlie Unileil Staters of America. That Union ex-
emplifies the t fleets both of knowledge and of
ignoiance, in people situated as nearly as possi-
ble in the same circumstances, living under the
same government, and descended in general,
from the same stock. In the Northern States,
the education of nil the inhabitants is most care-
fully })roviiled for ; in the Southern, the educa-
tion of the poor, is entirely neglected. The
different effects arising from these two situations,
are unequivocally mark ?d in the opposite char-
acters of the pfjc^ple.

A [jretty correct idea of the state of education
in the different parts of the American Union,
may be obtained from the following facts, ex-
tracted from WiNTERBOTHAM*s American Ge-
ograpliy.

In New-England, education is very generally
diffused among people of all ranks, and a per-
son that c;nii;ot both read and write, is very
rarely to be found. There is a school in almost
every townslup, supported by a public tax, and
subject to the direction of a committee elected
for the purpose.

In New-York, much attention has been paid
to education in later tim',?. Still, however,
many places arc destitute of schools, and in
many others they are conducted by low and ig-
norant persc>ns, unfit for tlic purpose. Know-

1 .

t >jS!!gi>"*i »» « *' "

t*^itel«iFi<*««ii*MtrMiWf-?*t->

ithiwwMiu^

leJge is less generally diffused In this State, tlian
in Neu-Enghmd.

Iw Pennsylvania, numerous schools are sup-
ported by the' different religious societies. 'I'hcre
are private schools, kept separately by Masters
and Mistresses for the youth of both sexes. The
Quakers support a school for the instruction of
Africans of every diff'jrent shade of coKjur ;
and into this, persons of every age and sex,
whether free, or slaves, are admitted. There
are none, whose parents, or guardians, or mas-
ters will take the trouble to make application,
but may be admitted into one or other of these
schools. The means, therefore, for obtaining
education, are, in this State, ample. But a
more extensive taste for information is wanted,
.to render these means effectual ; for, it is stated
by our Author, that a great proportion of the
labouring people are still extremely ignorimt.

In New- Jersey, there is no regular establish-
ment of schools. The usual method of obtiiiu-
ing instruction, is this. The inhabitants of a
village, or of any particular part of the country,
enter into an agreement to support a school-
master upon such terms as may be mutually
agreeable. This method is evidently precarious ;
and, accordingly, the encouragenic .t is gener-
ally so inadequate, that no person of proper
qualifications can be found to undertake the task.

In Maryland, so far from every township's
possessing a school, as in New-England, whole
counties are destitute of that advantage. Many
of the schools formerly established, have been
neglected. A great proportion of the people,
are therefore, whollv uninstructed.

f:>

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1^'

I * w

In Virginia, in the CaroHnas, and in Georgia,
we are informed nf Colleges, many of which
are said ro be, in no respect, superior to Gram-
mar Schools ; but no mention is made of Com-
mon Schools. From this circumstance, it is
plain that little or no information can be diffused
among the labouring class of society Indeed,
great part of this class consists of slaves, a race
of men so peculiarly unfortunate, as to be sel-
dom within the reach of instruction.

According to this statement, the diffusion
of knowledge, fantastic as the idea might seem
were it not founded in fact, appears gradually
to decrease as we proc(\x-l from North to South.
One might almost determine the latitude of a
place by the degree of information diffused
among its inhabitants.

A farther proof that this statement is correct,
may be taken from the different proportion in
which newspapers are published in the Northern
and Southern States. A few years ago, the
proportion whit h the population of the New-
England States, h'^ld to that of all the rest ; was,
as one to four and a half. The proportion in
the number of newspapers published annually,
was, as one to two and a half. So that, while
the other States, taken collectively, possessed
about four times the population of New-Eng-
land, they issued only twice the number of
newsprpers. In other words, they had, in pro-
portion to their population, only half the num-
ber of persons who could read.*

From this difference of education, there arises
a difference of manners and character, corres-

* Oiiphant'i No.'th America.

'^^t^UWA'

llEll^SHl?^^

**^

1 Geor<;!:i,
of which
to Gram-
; of Com-
ncc, it is
ic diffused
Indeed,
es, a race
:o be sel-

■ diffusion
ight seem
gradually
to South,
tude of a
1 diffused

s correct,
Dortion in
Northern

ago,

tht

he New-
?st ; was,
ortion in
annually,
at, while
possessed
ew-Eng-
iniber of
1, in pro-
the num-

ere arises
corres-

pomlciu to the cause. The inhabitants of thj
North'jni parts of the Union, arc, comparative-
ly, simple in their manners, virtuous and reli-
gious : among those oi' the Soutliern parts,
inunorality and irrelii^iun predominate. IJitj
former are, tor the most part, in easy ci-cum-
stances ; few are in alUuence, and few i---duced
to poverty. The latter are divided intcj two
classes, the rich and the poor ; and the distinc-
tion is no where more strongly marked. In
the Northern States, are few or no slaves. In
the Middle States, there are more ; but they
are, in many cases, provided with instruction.
In the Southern States, they abound ; and, t'ur
aught thu appears, remahi as ignorant, as when
they left the coast of Guinea. In the Nv^rth, is
an industrious and enterprising people, lovers
of their country, and possessing an ardent at-
tachment to the country from which their an-
cestors emigrated. In the South, the inhabitants
are, in a great measure, destitute of taste for
knowledge, addicted to low pleasures ; and,
though vicjlent sticklers for liberty, are the very
p- trons and propagators of slavery. Untaught
by facts and experience, they continue attached
to the alliance of a Government, under which
military power has overturned every civil insti-
tution, trampled under foot the unalienable
rights of men, and nearly enslaved the nations
ol Europe.

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.'3. Ob THE EXPEDIENCY OF INSTRUCTION
IN THK PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES OE
THE (".ANAOIAN PEOPLE.

The reasonings contained in the first part of
this Letter, and the facts brought forward in the
second ; are sufTicient, I humbly conceive, to
establish the certainty of this general principle,
That the diffusion of knowledge, whether con-
sidered in a political, religious, or moral point
of vijw, is of the highest importance. It is now
time to consider whether there is any thing pe-
culiar to the Canadians wh'ch is likely to pre-
vent education from producing the same benefi-
cial effects upon them, which it is calculated to
have upon human nature in general, and which
it is certainly found to have upon the inhabitants
of those countries in which it is generally dif-
fused. An attentive survey of the particular
situation of the inhabitants of Canada, will show
that they form no exception to the gt ^eral
principle here laid down ; but that, on the con-
trary, every circumstance in their condition
corroborates the truth of it, and even affords
new proofs of its universality.

The discussion of this part of the subject, is
the more necessary ; because many general rules
have exceptions ; and general truths are often
acknowledged, even while objections are found
and sustained, against their particular applica-
tion.

The Canadians, as wc have already observed,
are to be regarded as an agricultural people.
And it is among such a people, that education
may, in general, be most easily introduced, and
also its advantages most safely enjoyed. The

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ii.«<ir — >

rural inhabitants of most countries possess a sim-
plicity and an ingenuousness in their manners,
which dispose lliem for the sober enjoyments of
roadinjT, ar.J which, at the same time, prevent
them from abusing their knowledge to danger-
ous or licentious purposes.

I have all along been speaking chiefly of the
inhabitants of the country as distinguished from
those of the laiger towns. With regard to the
latter, however, I would recommend to your
atte»tion the plan of instruction, most probably
invented, and certainly carried to the utmost
practical perfection, by Mr. Joseph Lancas-
ter. It is impossible to say too much in praise
of a system which possesses every advantage
with respect to the labouring classes ; which
combines mildness, order, and virtuous tenden-
cy, with the highest efficacy in the real business
of making scholars ; which joins almost incredi-
ble economy, to practicability in every situation in
which numbers of people are collected into one
neighbourhood. I cannot help remarking far-
ther, that the countenance which this plan has
received in England from persons of the very
highest rank, is no inconsiderable proof, among
others, of the liberality of the British govern-
ment, and of its disposition to promote general
information.

The general employment of the Canadians,
as it shows the practicability and safety of their
instruction, suggests also an additional reason
for endeavouring to introduce it. To what
cause are we to attribute the small progress
which the Canadians have made in the improve-

E 2 ■ ■

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■**!rtr ■'';i^-

mrnt of their lands, and in all the arts connected
with agriculture ? Why does even the small
portion of land which is cleared, still yichl so
small a part of the riches which might be drawn
from it ? Why is it so difficult to promote the
raising of hemp, evon after all competent judges
are satisfud of its being advantageous to the
proprietor, and suitable to the climate of the
country? The answir^to all these questions,
must be the same. It is the entire ignorance of
the land-cultivators that arrCvSts the progre:;s of
these necessary arts. 'J heir general ignorance
cutjj them off from all knowledge of the new
and superior methods of treating the soil, or the
grain, or of improving the breed of domestic
animals. It does more than even preclude them
from the knowledge of improvements. It con-
finns their prejudices in favour of all previous
habits, and of all ancient errors. It prevents
them from adopting even those improvements,
which they see introduced by others.

Of all the diseases which afflict the human
race, that which cuts off the greatest number of
lives prematurely, is understood to be the smalU
pox. And yet, there is not another, of which
the means of prevention are so certain, or so
easily applied. It is, therefore, melancholy to
reflect, that ignorance, and the prejudices arising
from it, should deprive vast numbers of men of
almost every nation, of the means of escaping
this fatal calamity. Till the Canadian peasantry
shall receive some portion of instruction, it is
not to be expected, that they can derive any
considerable advantage from the Jcnnerian Dis«.
coyer y, A practice which would annually save

^1.

a number of lives to this Province, and prevent
the distress of a ni ich greater number of suffer-
ing infants and anxious parents, must, as to
Canada, remain almost vvlioliy imflicacious.

Thk very thin and limited iMijudntion of this
Province, and the comparative case w'nh which
its inhabitants can procure the necessaiio of life,
rendi}r the dilfnsion oi kno\vlcdj:;e more pr.uti-
cable jjere, than in many otiier countries. In
many of the great nations of Europe, the crowd-
ed state of popuhition, and the prevalence of
poverty, will, in all probability, for ever exclude
multitudes from the benefits of education. Hut
the vast extent of unappropriated lands in Cana-
da, opens a more chcermg prospect for our pos-
terity. They need not fear a crowded population,
or a monopoly of the soil for centuries to come.
Now, therefore, while our number is small, and
while land is cheap and plentiful ; now is the
time to plant the germ of knowledge, which
will enlighten, enrich, and felicitate the future
multitudes, that will one day cover this fertile
portion of the globe. Being once fixed in the
soil, and having once struck a firm root, this
plant will not soon wither or decay. Knowledge
has a natural tendency to propagate itself ; and
having once found a favourable soil, will not be
easily eradicated : But, if we delay to dissemi-
nate its seeds, till vice and luxury shall have poi-
soned the soil ; we shall in vain expect to culti-
vate it, with the same prospect of success.

I hold it to be a very reasonable expectation,
that the riches and population of this country
should long continue to increase. Our climate,
indeed, is severe ; but the soil is e.:ci Uent j the

1.-

air pure ; the situation admirably adapted to
commercial pursuits. These are permanent ad-
vantages, and may reasonably be expected to be
attended with permanent effects. > In conse-
quence of their operation, the country may long
be expected to rise in opulence, and in number
of inhabitants. With this increase, however, of
commerce and riches, we must look for the same
disadvantages which other countries have deriv-
ed from the same causes. Vices will multiply,
and all sorts of degeneracy commonly arising
from increased affluence and abundance of the
conveniencies of life. It is, therefore, highly
necessary to make some provision against this
certain and coming evil. Instruction is the only
means that can be devised, for preparing the
minds of the lower orders to resist the addition-
al temptations which they will then have, to imi-
tate the increasing prodigality and debauchery
of their superiors. This is the only means that
can be expected to cure that improvident spirit,
for which they are already but too remarkable,
and which will certainly grow upon them by
imitation and example. And though this reme-
dy cannot be expected to remove the evil en-
tirely ; it is yd the only one which can be em-
ployed with any prospect of success, and, at all
events, it will most certainly be attended with
numerous, and permanent advantages.

The education of th** people at large in this
Province, is the only means of uniting the in-
habitants of Canada. It is by this means that
they may be blended into one people. While
the lower classes remain wholly ignorant, there
will never be wanting among their superiors,

iWftW i»i— — <^-..^»

^^^^m&^mmM

liiiiintl

SBBsaBiSSH

persons who will abuse their credulity and their
prejudices to the purposes of faction. Ignor-
ance is the means of perpetuating national an-
tipathies, of keeping alive the remembrance of
unreasonable jealousy and suspicion. Let light
arise among the people, and these bitter animosi-
ties will die. Why should the inhabitants of
Canada consider themselves as of two distinct
nations ? Though their ancestors were descend-
ed from different originals, have not they them-
selves, the most serious reasons for unanimity
and concord ? Do they not breathe the same
air ? Are they not nourished by the same be-
nignant soil ; and all enriched by the commerce
of the same River ? Are they not protected by
the same Government ? Have they not the same
laws, the same rights, and one common interest ?
The happiness of the one cannot be injured
without impairing that of the other. The wel-
fare of both is promoted by the same means.
Though their languages are different, their in-
terests cannot be separated.

It is ignorance alone that perpetuates the
dissensions that disturb this Province. It is ig-
norance that, in all countries, has preserved alive
the seeds of contention. Ireland has, for seven
centuries, been connected with the English Go-
vernment. But the fjreater part of the inhabi-
tants, being wholly ignorant, have not in all
that 'time, laid aside their national antipathy
against the inhabitants of Britain. I'he more
enlightened peasantry of Scotland, in the course
of one century, entirely dropped the most dead-
ly animosities that one people ever entertained
another. At tl

agamst

moment, they

*•

) ,

» ■

happy and proud to consider, that the British
Isles contain but one nation. Tlie mists of
prejudice are dissipated before the light of
knowledge.

The disturbances which, a few years ago,
agitated Ireland, are a memorable proof of the
miserable effects of general ignorance. They
were a consequence of that darkness which af-
fords the inhabitants of any country, no know-
ledge of the dangers of civil discord, nor any
conviction of the necessity of good order ; but
which leaves them a prey to the interested and
the factious, to those who would establish their
own power on the ruin of public happiness.
The same cause gave rise to all the miseries
which France has sufferf^d. In the beginning
of the Revolution, the total ignorance of the
great mass of the people, laid them open to be
duped by a multitude and a succession of ty-
rants. And, at a later period, the nation, from
the same reason, fell a victim to one of the most
tyrannical military despotisms, that ever dis-
graced the history of nations. These examples
are yet fresh in onv memory. They have been
recorded in the blood of thousands, for the ad-
monition of distant posterity. Let us not, then,
conceal these salutary lessons from the eyes of
our countrymen. It is possible to open the eyes
of their children, at least ; that these may see
the dismal consequences of civil disorder, and
attach themselves to regularity and peace. If
we discharge not our duty in this respect, we
become blameable for whatever disasters may,
at any future period, arise from their want or
this necessary knowledge. And, of what dis-

1l%:.^\jfr'».in^--y-'^<-

mirHmimimm

mmm

iritish
ists of
rht of

s ago,
of the

They
lich af-
know- ^
ar any
r ; but
ed and
h their
)piness.
niseries
ginning

of the
>n to be
1 of ty-
n, from
he most
^er dis-
camples
,ve been

the ad-
3t, then,

eyes of
the eyes
may see
ler, and
lace. If
ject, we
;rs may,

want or
/hat dis-

asters may not the memory of the past, lead us
to dread the recurrence, by the operation of the
same causes ?

Perhaps, you will ask me, Why address nil
this reasoning to us ? How useful soever ihe
establishment of schools may be, why is it ne-
cessary, that we should be the principal pro-"
meters of it ? If the people wish to have this
advantage, let them make the necessary appli-
cation themselves. The bounty of Government
is open. The way to obtain it, is clear, and
cannot be mistaken.

But, I would request you, Gentlemen, to
consider, that the people in general never can
be so sensible as you are of the value and im-
portance of knowledge. As the ignorant never
experienced, and never can comprehend, the.
pleasures of an enlightened understanding, no
more can they properly estimate the permanent
advantages which it brings. To make use of a
figure that is admitted into all languages, the
ignorant can be no better judges of the impor-
tance of knowledge, than the blind are of the
use of vision. All conviction, in either case,
must arise from report.

In fact, the prejudices of ignorant people run
strongly against all kindsof knowledge and sci-
ence. Perhaps, no prejudices are more gener-
al, or more inveterate than these. The Indian,
the Kampschadale, or the Laplander, regards
the rest of mankind, with contempt ; and con-
siders his own peculiar habits and mode of life,
as his greatest pride, and his greatest happiness.
In a polished and enlightened country, the pre*

BHJMiiMiWtFliMgi"'.'* i»ajli,.t»

'■yi

■« ■■ f

\l '■i

judices of the uninstructed part of the commu-
nity, against all kinds of education, are not quite
so violent as those which a savage entertains
agiiinst civilization and refinement. They are,
however, of the same nature, and have always
been sufficient to form a powerful obstacle to
all improvement. And if these prejudices are
sometimes overcome, it must generally be in
consequence of the conversation and influence
of the better informed members of society.

By no means, therefore, let it be left to the
people to enlighten themselves, or even to ask
for the means oJF instruction. If education never
be introduced, till sought for by those who are
to enjoy the benefit of it ; they will, in all pro-
bability, remain destitute of it to the latest pos-
terity. In no country has it ever been intro-
duced in that manner ; and, without the spirit
ti prophf^cy, we may venture to affirm that it
never will be. They who introduce it, must be
those who know its advantages, who feel the
happiness which it imparts, and who have expe-
rienced the delightful sensadons that accompany
the percepdon of truth.

Upon you. Gentlemen, it depends, whether
the future generations of the inhabitants of
Canada, shall be an ignorant and boorish race,
gradu:i]ly assimilating to their neighbours the
sava^eiS ; or assume a more respectable charac-
ter, and become an intelligent and ingenious
peasantry, capable of comprehending the best
nictliods of improving the soil, bv which they
must support themselves and us, or appreciating
the blessings of their condition, and of relieving
the fatigues of a most laborious occupation by

-.4.-

•.>Knratt(rtTtW;flittlW^«tttttt

1^^^ m'Uill!f^£iimtLXu,..r'% niiiiwaMMii

the higlier, and more engaging exercises of the
mind. If the latter supposition should never be
realised, the fault will not attach to them. Nor
can any part of the blame fall upon the Govern-
ment. You alone must be chargeable. You
alone are, at once, able to discern the extent of
the evil, and to bring about the application of
the remedy. The country inhabitants, are them-
selves able to remove the evil ; but they are not
sufficiently sensible of its existence, and, there-
fore, will not be at the trouble to attempt its
removal. The British Government is sensible
of the evil ; but cannot, without deviating from
its accustomed liberality and moderation, en-
force the remedy. You alone, are, at once,
perfectly acquainted with the disadvantages
under which the Canadians labour ; and able,
by your influence and advice, to do much to-
wards accomplishing the necessary reform.

Permit me. Gentlemen, to say farther, that
if this desirable event should never take place ;
neither shall I bear any part of the blame. With
respect to this matter, I have discharged my
duty. It will remain upon record, that I have
been the advocate of the Canadian People.

With sentiments of the highest respect,
I am. Gentlemen,
' • Your devoted friend.

And most obedient servant,

DANIEL WILKIE.
Quebec, 22d

June, 1810.

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